Community Opinion

James McFarlane

News article inspired by ACAA news reports.

11 March 2026

Community Opinion

It’s hard to ignore the world media’s news reporting machine. Even in the rural

community of Bassetlaw. News is everywhere. On the internet, TV, radio, and even

from just talking to people. It’s alarming. Is this the state of human media

consumerism? A place where we bring narrative to reality and rationalise or criticise

behaviour that morphs around a fragile ethical guide taught to us as morality as

children through religion and example during our upbringing.

These days its the Iran war. More violent and relevant on peoples screens than

ever before. Seen in digital real time. Shocking.

We are all familiar with history and the stereotypes of character driven fiction,

good versus evil, superhero’s, Nostradamus predictions and the Cold War, East v

West, movies movies of past decades, subtle or direct the human subconscious has a

way to bring ideas to light. But now on our news screens this is real life.

As adults we have responsibilities, driving a car, or whilst looking for work,

responsibilities, to ourselves an each other. If you’re living your life in a post Covid

small town economy you know what i mean. As i think about the environment on my

way back from the shops and breath in the toasted vent air from the various sun-bed

lounges, with their futuristic booths and lights, the fast food outlets doing a bustling

trade. It’s clear that if we want life to be enjoyable, peaceful and healthy then we

really have to talk about the real reasons for negative results in society, international

or otherwise, whether thats our behaviour or those on the world stage setting an

example to young people and adults alike. I’m not just talking about high society

scandals in the news! I’m talking about day to day conversation and viewpoints on

wars of attrition. I’m a university graduate and experienced professional. Every time

i read about the Epstein scandal or see a missile in digital i think of an art sculpture

by Jacob Epstein, The Rock Drill. Is it really an accident that now on the news time

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line, the oil wells and mines of Iran are at the challenge of the two most revered

military powers in the world.

Some countries have different opinions, yes politicians make mistakes, yes

people have differences but blowing the hell out of each other with violence doesn’t

make those things go away, it only intensifies and draws out the tensions and

problems and joint costs, both human and economic. You can all see it. It’s in my

history book. And in your library.

Whilst Iran is in the spotlight and under attack we all tense our muscles as we

watch TV with the days war developments unfolding. This is certainly not peace.

The memory of Iraq, the 8 years war, Ukraine, Guantanamo bay, 9/11, and the

Palestinians along with Northern Ireland, Northern Spain, Syria, isis and the

multifaceted and complex religious factions and mercenaries that have sprung into

resistance and existence from troubles and problems over the many years, the Arab

spring. Wars cause scars and these run deep into society. Nuclear arms may tip the

balance between haves and have nots, but does this define right and wrong, should

it? Really? Peace and fear, war and terror, no one wins. In globalisation we all live

together.. where has the global chalice gone? Who has corrupted it, can we please

understand and make it right. I’d like it back please.

I know Iran is a very old country and isn’t just home to Iranian civilisation.

Many communities are represented in the ancient Middle East. Although through

religion and hardship communities do come together and this shows us there is hope

in the time of hostility. Here i think of the Afghan people helping with an example of

hope. 6 million people from Afghanistan have sort refuge in Iran from the

neighbouring country. Here is another country with a difficult past relationship with

American policy. Iran has been home to thousands of refugees in the time leading up

to the war and theres said to be 3 million in Pakistan. What will become of these

civilians with no infrastructure and nowhere to turn..only war oppression and

rubble. This is disturbing a chance for community. This crisis risks escalation and

humanitarian catastrophe. The fear of nuclear weapons can be overcome with hope,

determination and communication.

What will happen to Afghan culture. Here in the UK Afghan culture is

supported through the ACAA. And represented in businesses such as The Afghan

Rug shop in Hebden Bridge, with many lovely patterned cultural examples and also

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indications of the effects of the behaviour in the East. War motif is juxtapose with

beautiful traditional patterns.

There are other things to consider, the hash trade. Afghan black is a street term

for a variant of cannabis familiar to 90s romanticists and sub culture voyeurs who

flirted with addiction and excess, or perhaps addiction clinicians lurking supporting

opium addicts to recovery either way in todays society cannabis is legalised abroad.

For health, recreation and leisure, primarily in America , Canada, Mexico ,

Germany, Uruguay and afew others with anyone who knows seeing Snoop Dogg

being an advocate for the business as well as sporting culture; now this is interesting,

where high culture meets subculture and the results bring the Olympics into the mix,

i wonder if snoop would find forgiveness over a sour hash deal or if he’d peace out in

the chill lounge. Both options better than what’s on the TV news most evenings.

With some healthy communication maybe there would be an understanding reached.

It makes me wonder what’s gone so wrong. Is it something in humanity itself that

needs addressing. Seems that way from the events in Israel which were unacceptable

although now in the past.

Perhaps football will save the world, Snoop also has a share in Swansea city

football club, with the World Cup looming i think the war needs to end and fast.

A foreign war of attrition is not the right message to send to young people.

Perhaps money can be better procured helping Iran and Afghanistan to work

together to achieve peace through cultural exchanges with the US and contemporary

standards.

What’s interesting here is what’s important to people.

I mean world wide values. For lots of people.

What’s important to people in Britain is important to people in Iran,

and the USA the Middle East and Afghanistan.

It’s clear from just observing popular trends and religions.

A sense of community

Freedom to live

Family

Good food and culture

A sense of beauty

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These things are shared and matter.

I personally remember when America pulled out of Afghanistan i watched an

interview with John Snow on the News. he interviewed a beautiful Afghan model on

her reaction to the behaviour on our screens. I remember thinking human nature is a

powerful force and perfectionism and power with out reality and common respect for

the rule of law only contribute to a dystopian idea that feeds into inequality and a

class divided by economics and violence. A chance is needed.

As people we should all be looking for solutions if theres the lack of trust in our

lives, compromise does not always work but its better to try than ignore the option.

Flirting with the mistakes of the past, discussion of world wars and neo

colonialism reflections that prove to be criticism that effects the future.. we can all be

free…if we work for it and pay for it. Together…use our system.

Healing division takes time. Economics . Understanding. Fairness. Knowledge.

Recognising mistakes taking responsibility and finding forgiveness can resolve

conflict to make peace possible. Otherwise we are wasting time.

The arms trade should place a flower in the end of their rifle.

As i surf the internet on facebook i view Mr Sulos page.

Dedicated to off the beaten track shelters and videos of make shift habitats,

Some look quite cosy. Video docs of stone shelters in the mountains.

Home made fireplaces, hollowed out caves, wood carved doors made from trees,

and rustic flavours. Things we can share appreciation of.

In a dessert wild environment. Remembering nature and also sharing a thought

for people who don’t have any choice but to live like that amongst rubble and

destruction in Iran and Afghanistan in poverty with children and communities

caught in the conflicts and trying to be civilised just like us but with out the safety.

We should not take it for granted nor should we abuse it. Or force it on people.

We can recognise our differences and we have a shared understanding

That we both share a difference, and with that move into a relationship of

understanding our differences in a better way for a better future.

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There are similarities that can be found in all communities.

Quotes of respect.

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across

the waters to create many ripples.

Mother Teresa

Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more,

but those giving more.

H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Where there is not community, trust, respect, ethical behavior

are difficult for the young to learn and for the old to maintain.

Robert K. Greenleaf

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